D-Day arrives for Queensland’s opposition

TIM Nicholls takes the reins of Queensland LNP after deposing opposition leader Lawrence Springborg.

Lawrence Springborg lost the party leadership to Tim Nicholls. Picture: Marc Robertson

TIM Nicholls has described his win as a tremendous honour.

He takes the reins of Queensland LNP after deposing opposition leader Lawrence Springborg.

Mr Nicholls defeated Mr Springborg 22-19 in the second round. Tim Mander was eliminated in the first round.

The Courier Mail reported that Mr Nicholls said the new role was about “taking up the fight” to the Labor Government.

“We bring together a mix of energy and experience,” he said. “I’ll be looking forward to working with my colleagues over the next few days.”

Mr Nicholls would not be drawn on why the party decided to change leaders but thanked Mr Springborg for calling today’s party room to bring the matter to a head. He said a decision on his new front bench would be made in coming days but did not rule out including Mr Springborg and Mr Langbroek in senior positions, the Courier reported.

Deb Frecklington is the new Deputy Opposition Leader. Opposition whip Ian Rickuss said he believed Ms Frecklington would make a “good deputy”.

Days of leadership speculation came to a head today for Queensland’s Liberal National Party MPs as they decided whether or not to install a new opposition leader.

Outgoing Opposition Leader Mr Springborg brought forward a party room meeting, where a spill motion took place.

Mr Springborg was pitted off against Brisbane-based contenders Tim Nicholls and Tim Mander for the party leadership.

Mr Springborg has been relatively quiet about the issue, insisting he would discuss the leadership tussle privately in the party room.

Tim Mander. Picture: Jono Searle

Tim Nicholls. Picture: Peter Wallis

Mr Mander has spoken publicly about the LNP’s need for a “bold and innovative” leader to take on the minority Labor government heading into the next state election.

Meanwhile, former treasurer Mr Nicholls insists he has the experience and enthusiasm to lead the party for the first time. Labor minister Kate Jones on Thursday seized on the LNP’s leadership battle, saying it showed the party wasn’t fit to govern Queensland.

“The LNP have been in turmoil now for months ... and quite frankly, I think that they just need to go on with it for the people of Queensland,” she said.